MyCarCheck.com/Trade is the trade valuations arm of CDL Vehicle Information Services. Based on cutting-edge industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers, these monthly bulletins highlight the most significant trends in the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

MyCarCheck.com/Trade’s LCV expert, David Hill, commented: “The August market was slow, but not as bad as some had predicted. Many traders were still out looking just in case something nice came along. Stock levels have remained steady over recent weeks and the expected fresh stock from the new registration plate in September will soon be snapped up.

“Motor trade people are creatures of habit. If it’s Tuesday then Manheim Haydock or BCA Measham are probably the first two choices, although ever more traders are also buying via the internet. This makes sense for some of the branded sales, where you can largely rely on the stock being ‘as described’, but buyers are more cautious when it comes to trade-to-trade or non-branded sales.

“In terms of small vans, there have been some especially nice Vauxhall Corsa models coming from the telecoms industry. These have enjoyed a good following for many years and even the old shape ones are very popular. Peugeot 207 vans, petrol or diesel, are rare but always in demand. Renault Kangoo vans are about in volume but values are still hanging on because the older models still represent great value for money.

“The same can be said of Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo – these are still finding buyers despite plenty of volume. Volkswagen Caddy values are steady on 104ps models. The 69ps models can be a bit hit and miss, depending on mileage, condition and specification, but the new model 75ps variants have no trouble finding buyers.

“There’s plenty of interest for Mercedes Benz Vito and similar-sized vans. As always, mileage is critical – a low mileage example will make trade or even ready-to-retail (RTR) values, but if they’re a bit battered with high miles then only the export market will look at them.

“There’s been a little run of Toyota HiAce vans in the market recently and these have mostly been swallowed up by the trade as they are great news for retail.

“VW Transporter is also still great news for dealers, even in orange or silver with starship mileage – they will always find a buyer. Larger vans such as the Ford Transit Jumbo are good news but VW Crafter can be harder to shift – we have dropped later plate values on Crafter by 5% this month as we have seen quite a few around and buyers will only bid so far.

“In the last month we have seen older model Renault Master vans generating plenty of interest and selling at the first time of asking. Along with its stable-mate, Vauxhall Movano, it reaches values not far behind those of the Ford Transit. They are prime choices for retailers offering a selection of vehicles.

“As we move towards autumn the 4x4 market is picking up. Again it’s all about specification and colour. We have seen single cab pick-ups sell for RTR values. Land Rover Defender or Discovery commercials are always highly sought after, ensuring values remain steady.”

MyCarCheck.com/Trade provides buyers and sellers with all the vehicle price data they need: ready to retail, trade, average, retail and Cat D. As a free bonus, it also provides the annual road tax cost and key DVLA information, including the make, model, colour, engine size, body style, fuel type and date of registration.

Simply enter a car, van or motorcycle registration and the vehicle’s mileage to get an accurate valuation and additional information in an instant. Once signed up you can check as many vehicles as you like at no extra cost.

The MyCarCheck.com/Trade team includes:

Gavin Amos has 15 years’ experience in the used vehicle sector. After starting out at CAP he worked in several dealerships, progressing into management. He has hands-on experience of sourcing and disposing of stock, both to trade and retail customers.

Alan Senior has 35 years’ experience in used car valuations. After a decade running a franchised dealership he spent 20 years at CAP where he was Senior Editor of the Black and Red books and co-founder of the Green book, then two years as editor of Parkers Guide before co-founding VIP Data valuation services.

David Hill specialises in LCVs. He worked with Renault, LDV and Isuzu Trucks before spending 10 years as CAP’s Light Commercial Vehicle Editor then 5 years as national used vehicle sales manager for Iveco. He joined CDL in 2011.

Rob Hobson specialises in motorbikes and scooters. After leaving a dealer role to launch CAP’s Green Book, he worked in business development for Piaggio.